FR LIAM Rigney, PP of Athy and Moone, was up the Wicklow Mountains last week as he prepares for a climb to Croagh Patrick in aid of restoration works to Moone church.
In less than two months Fr Rigney is going to climb Croagh Patrick – for the first time in his life, at 69 years of age along with chair of the local fundraising committee Martin O’Neill!
“When Martin was talking about it, I thought to myself I’ve never been up Croagh Patrick,” said Fr Liam.
“But two years ago I did Carrauntoohil (highest mountain in Ireland, and 275m higher) so I think I can do Croagh Patrick,” said the intrepid cleric.
“I love walking the Barrow Line and the Canal Blueway, we’re very lucky to have them around Athy, so I’m really looking forward to it. And if anyone wants to join us…”
The pair will take on the Reek on Saturday 9 May on a sponsored walk in aid of the restoration of the Church of the Blessed Trinity in Moone.
For those of our readers who may doubt Fr Liam’s ability, they should note that he completed the Dublin City Marathon last October!
The restoration drive began only seven years ago, and already the fundraising committee has secured nearly €172,000 in donations.
This breaks down as €60,000 donated from the Moone Tractor Run, €11,860 from the Built Heritage Scheme, and a whopping €100,000 from an anonymous donor from Castledermot.
This has allowed for the upgrade of the roof, the stained glass windows, the exterior, new carpet in the sanctuary, restoration of the brasswork and the Crib statues, for a church which will be celebrating its bicentenary in just four years.
“Before the beginning of the summer the roof will be completed, and then we can start on the inside,” said Fr Liam.
“We are blessed with our volunteer community, and hopefully on 9 May, we’ll be blessed with good weather,” he laughed.
This week the fundraising committee started a GoFundMe page ‘Moone Church Internal Renovation’ which has already raised €1,000 and rising.
“Join Fr Liam and Martin O’Neill in climbing Croagh Patrick on Saturday, 9 May to raise funds for the interior renovation of our beloved parish church in Moone,” said David Tomlinson, chair of the parish finance committee.
“If you are unable to climb with us, please donate to the fund”.
